CALBAYOG CITY—The BiPSU Tigers demonstrated their dominance at the 38th SCUAA Games swimming events held on December 10-11, securing an impressive 51 medals—an outstanding improvement from last year’s performance.

This year, the Tigers clinched 25 golds, 17 silvers, and 9 bronzes across 42 swimming events. This marks a significant leap from their previous SCUAA Games haul of 10 golds, 14 silvers, and 10 bronzes.

Not only did BiPSU excel in medal count, but they also earned a top placement in the overall swimming rankings among 11 participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). BiPSU proudly ranked second, behind Leyte Normal University (LNU), with a total of 4.75 points.

The Tigers’ women’s swimming team outperformed the competition, securing first place among all SUCs with 4.13 points. Meanwhile, the men's team earned third place with a total of 0.62 points.

Coach Crislyn Paghubasan, in an interview, attributed the team’s remarkable improvement to the athletes’ determination and the strong support from the university administration.

“This achievement is the result of countless hours of training and the solid support system that fuels our athletes’ drive to succeed,” Paghubasan said. “We wouldn’t have achieved this without the leadership of our university president, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., whose support has been crucial from the start of training.”

The team’s formal training began in September, with weekend schedules designed to accommodate the athletes’ academic commitments.

Meanwhile, seven out of the 14 BiPSU swimmers ranked among the Top 15 in the individual standings.

In the women’s category, Janine Rotairo stood out with a remarkable six golds, one silver, and one bronze, earning her the second-best female swimmer title. Her sister, Joyce Rotairo, placed fourth, securing 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 2 bronzes. Kriendy Bacarizas also ranked sixth with four golds and two bronzes.

In the men’s category, Noel Angelou Gaviola ranked sixth with one gold, five silvers, and one bronze. Michael Camillion and Emil Arrevado both tied for eighth—Camillion with two golds and two silvers, and Arrevado with one gold and one silver. Ronald Sallave completed the men’s individual rankings at tenth place with one gold, three silvers, and two bronzes.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo expressed pride in the Tigers’ swimming team, commending their hard work and dedication.

“This victory reflects our athletes’ discipline and commitment,” said Dr. Cañezo. “They have brought immense pride to our university and have set a new standard of excellence for all BiPSU Tigers athletes.”

The BiPSU Tigers swimming team’s success at this year’s SCUAA Games is attributed to the guidance of the coaches Jerahlyn Ambe, Jose Sidaya Jr., Crislyn Paghabusan, and Raful Sandigan.

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